Since Rhiannon’s accident, her story has been an inspiration to many people, both affected by disability or injury, as well as giving everyday people a healthy serve of motivation.
In 2012, Rhiannon began sharing her story of resilience and empowerment to educate and motivate primary and secondary school students across Victoria. Since falling in love with engaging a crowd she has since expanded her audience to corporate organisations and has been invited to guest speak at specific events and functions.
During her presentations Rhiannon shares her journey of triumph while battling the complications of her spinal cord injury as well as how she continues to overcome adversity as a women who is continuously breaking down the barriers of living with a disability in a diverse world. A true believer in the power of positivity, Rhiannon discusses the importance of creating a purpose in your life and shares her own personal views on creating and setting goals, but most importantly gives her audiences an insight into how makes sure her goals are achieved.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Adapting to a new normal:
After experiencing a spinal cord injury and becoming a quadriplegic, Rhiannon shares her inspiring journey of adapting to her new reality while learning to embrace her challenges.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities:
Rhiannon’s remarkable ability to transform adversity into purpose led her to establish Australia’s first nonprofit Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre. Through this initiative, she aims to inspire hope and break down barriers within the disability community.
Reclaiming Control:
In her discussions on holistic medicine, Rhiannon empowers her audience to understand the importance of not allowing external opinions or limitations to dictate their bodies or lives.
The Power of Resilience:
Rhiannon believes every challenge we face strengthens us. She candidly shares her experience with the emotional turmoil of her public marriage breakdown, highlighting how it nearly diminished her strength but ultimately reinforced her resilience.
From CEO to Runway Model:
When life throws you a curveball, you adapt and thrive! Rhiannon’s tenacity and infectious smile caught the attention of leading brands like Levi’s, leading to a collaboration focused on disability inclusion in their marketing.
Embracing Impermanence:
Rhiannon reminds her audience that every situation is temporary, including our lives. This realisation underscores the importance of pursuing dreams and not giving up on ourselves. She shares five insightful tips she has implemented to ensure she lives her best life.
Redefining Recovery: Creating a New Normal
In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional paradigms of recovery are often limited and outdated. Rhiannon encourages her audience to challenge these norms and embrace a more holistic, individualised approach. Join her as she, with her audience, explores innovative pathways to recovery that prioritise mental, emotional, and physical well-being. She discusses strategies for overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and fostering community support.
By redefining what recovery looks like, we can empower ourselves and others to create a new normal—one that embraces healing as a journey filled with hope, growth, and possibility.
Becoming an Ally to the Disability Community:
Rhiannon educates her audience on Disability Diversity, Access, and Inclusion, offering practical advice on how to work together to create a more inclusive world.
Unlocking Potential: How My ADHD Became My Superpower
In a world that often sees Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a challenge, Rhiannon has recognised it as one of her greatest assets. By embracing her unique perspective, she transformed what once felt like a limitation into a powerful tool for creativity and innovation. From harnessing hyper focus to ignite her passions to discovering connections that others might miss, Rhiannon explores how ADHD has opened doors she never thought possible.
Rhiannon shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the remarkable strengths that come with neurodivergence. She encourages her audience to consider how embracing our differences can unlock extraordinary possibilities and lead to a fulfilling life of purpose.
TESTIMONIALS
“Rhiannon really shows that true grit and real Aussie spirit of never giving up!”
– Health Ability
“Rhiannon’s spirited, warm and honest account has left its mark on us. For her fortitude and preparedness to continue making a difference was strikingly uplifting. Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College VCAL students embraced Rhiannon’s real life example of converting a somewhat negative, life changing experience into something positive.”
– Emma Lopreiato,
Student at Mount St Joseph Girls’ College
“Our students were engaged and inspired throughout Rhiannon’s amazing story and presentation. She is one of the most positive and inspiring people the students said they have ever met. Her story and life lessons were plentiful and she has left the mantra ringing in our ears – ” I’M POSSIBLE! ”
– Kristy Simmons, PDS Coordinator
“With such charisma Rhiannon tells her story with so much passion that it’s impossible to not have a connection with her.”
-VCA Student (Victorian College of the Arts)
“When you meet someone who is so positive and is doing so much to help others, it means a lot and inspires you to do the same.” – Barry Hall, Former AFL Footballer and Sports Commentator
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
2012 Young Australian of the Year
2013 Women’s Day Women of the Future nominee
2014 Access & Inclusion Australia Day Award recipient
2015 (current) Wings for Life World Run Australian Ambassador
2016 – Cosmopolitan “Game Changer” Women of the Year
